The government has pledged nearly £20 million in legal support for people facing debt, house repossession and custody battles, which will be delivered over the next three years.
The grant, which will run from October 2026 to March 2029, will improve access to social welfare and family legal support for those who need help.
“It means that those on the edge of life changing moments – like eviction or bankruptcy – can get the help they need before they end up in court faced with the prospect of a costly legal bill they can’t afford,” the Ministry of Justice said in a statement.
The Access to Justice Foundation will administer and manage the grant, which organisations from across the advice sector are invited to apply for.
“It is absolutely vital that those facing some of life’s most challenging situations – such as debt, eviction, family issues – are able to access the support they need,” David Lammy, the deputy prime minister, said.
“This funding will ensure that essential legal support and information is available to those who need it most and will put the sector on a sustainable footing, as part of our Plan for Change.”
Lammy has also announced today that two current legal support grant programmes, the Improving Outcomes Through Legal Support Grant and the Online Support and Advice Grant, have been extended for six months, until September 2026.
The government said it is working closely with partners from across the sector to drive forward a long-term programme of work to improve the legal support system and make it more effective, efficient and sustainable.
